And the band played on

Great Western Youth Band in full blow at the Lawn band concert and barbecue

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has been promoted to one of the highest legal offices in the country following yesterday’s ministerial reshuffle.

David Cameron undertook a shake-up, with some high-profile names, including Michael Gove and William Hague, being removed from their roles.

Robert has now taken up the position of Solicitor General, and will act as deputy for the incoming Attorney General, Jeremy Wright, the MP for Kenilworth and Southam.

He will replace outgoing Solicitor General Oliver Heald, the MP for north-east Hertfordshire.

The Solicitor General advises the Crown and cabinet on critical matters of law, and deputise for the Attorney Genera.

The post usually goes to a barrister or a Member of Parliament who has trained as a barrister.

Robert graduated in law in 1990, before standing as a Conservative Parliament-ary candidate in 2005.

After being elected to Parliament in 2010, he was also elected to the Justice Select Committee. He also sits on the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

During his time as an MP he has done a great deal of work around the new domestic abuse legislation, including being involved in Claire’s Law, in which partners can carry out checks on the criminal history of their partners, and Cinderella’s Law, which proposed giving emotional abuse of children the same gravity in the justice system as physical abuse.

He has also proposed prisoners’ mobile phone should be sold off to raise money for victims’ charities.

Following the announcement Robert was thrust immediately into his role and began briefings from the legal team and civil servants to prepare him for the post.

“This is a huge privilege,” he said. “I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to take on this senior role.

“Of course, I will continue to work hard for South Swindon, and pledge that there will be no impact on my constituency work.

“The extra influence that comes with this position will be good news for South Swindon, and I will make sure I continue to representresidents effectively and conscientiously.”

Justin Tomlinson, the MP for North Swindon, said Mr Buckland was the perfect candidate for the role and would be able to jump in at the deep end given his legal background.

“This is fantastic news and I am really chuffed for Robert,” he said.

David Renard, the leader of Swindon Council, said: “I am delighted for Robert. Law is his area of expertise so it makes sense that he is promoted to this role.

“We are always looking for ways to raise Swindon’s profile in Government, and having one of our MPs elevated to such a high position is a good way of ensuring Swindon’s voice is heard at the highest levels.”